I understand the concerns. I had the same when I had my surgery 12/9/2010 2 level ACDF. The surgery usually lasts about 2-3 hours. People are in the hospital anywhere from 1-5 days depending on your recovery, insurance and doctors. I was in for 5 days due to excessive swelling (uncommon). I had a pump with didulad the first 12 hours (don't remember). Then I had morphine shots because I could not swallow. The only IV I had was antibiotics and fluids (48 hours). Then I had the nurses crush the meds and place in applesauce, pudding or italian ice. I had oxyicodone then down to hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer). I came home with scripts for hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer) and Ambien to help me sleep. I had a sponge bath while in the hospital. Once I came home I was allowed to shower. It felt SO good. Just ask for some special plastic non stick covering for the steri strips that cover the incision. Swallowing and swelling was my biggest issue not pain from the surgery. The incision area did not hurt at all. I also had a drain above the incision that I did not expect. That came out on day 3. Let me know if you have any other questions. The waiting is the worst. Once it is over you will be relieved. I no longer had the tingling, numbness and pain. I felt that way as soon as I was coherent in the hospital. Good luck and keep us posted.

Cath ~ I just wanted to warn you that this surgery probably will NOT ease the pain - and if you have nerve damage, you may still have the numbness. Usually after surgery we're left with the same pain and sometimes worse. So just wanted to remind you of that.

God bless you and best of luck. Let us know how it comes out. Hugs, Lee

Thank you! That did answer a lot of my questions. Yes, the waiting is the worst! Take care.

Hi Cathie, Yes it is a small world! I agree with frenchfri1003 post. My surgery took almost 5 hours. When my Dr drilled the holes for the screws they did not fit properly so he used bone cement to fill in the holes and redrilled. I was in the hospital for 1 nite, originally told 2, but the head nurse saw me straighten my bed sheet after using the washroom (she was a B****), and said if she can make her bed she can go home, I told them I was not ready, ( my husband was livid) but was discharged without seeing Shamisa. I was readmitted 2 days later with swallowing issues due to a large(golfball size)hematoma on my incision . I was given morphine injections, no drip, and discharged 3 days later. I would have to go back later that month as a stitch broke, and had to have the hematoma drained. It was day 2 that I showered, my husband put a lawn chair in the tub (my head felt heavy and I felt weak) and he washed my hair, sitting while showering was actually the easiest way for me. My girl friend came over 3 times a week to braid my hair. Cathie, the hard collar has blue velcrose pads, make sure you get 2 sets so you always have a dry set after showering, my husband always did my collar and I just stood very still. Sorry you had pain issues during your MRI, I am claustrophobic(?)and I do not like the MRI machine, I take a little pill and then it is still all I can do not to squeeze the red ball and scream lol. Happy Thoughts, Positive Attitude, and no Stress, makes for good surgery, as frenchfri1003 stated Relax! Well my hands are numb arms are throbbing and too long of a post. Talk soon, Bunz

Thank you for answering my oodles of questions. I have been taking notes, wrote down the part about the spare set of velcro, awesome idea! I will learn from your little bedsheet mistake and definately not look to strong so the mean nurse doesn't send me home too early! lol.... poor nurses in Windsor are so overworked, I do feel bad for most of them. Most are nice (some are just mean and should not be nurses, should be border guards or something.. lol) I'm working on the happy and positive thoughts, I think the January blahs have hit and my mood is difficult from being cooped up in the house (I'm not able to drive right now). But you're both right, positive attitude = postive outcome. I will try to make today a happy day.

The neuro called, and my surgery is now scheduled for March 2. I go in for one final appt. with Dr. Jhawar on Feb. 2 to get fitted for my collar, etc. In the meantime, I have piles of WSIB forms to fill out since my case got transferred to a new long term case manager.

take care, have a great day. Cathie

Hi Cathie, congrats on your surgery date, things you will need, yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, jello, cream soups, oatmeal, smoothies, ensure etc. Frequently used things close by I had a couple of baskets in my room, lozenges, kleenex, bandages and dressings, lotions, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, powders, wetones, lipbalms, mouthwash, these are usally the small versions, bendy straws, stool or chair beside bed to help you out, lots of ice for fluids feels good on the throat, garbage can, bell, bedtray, cold pacs, slippers, pj's and robe, or comfy clothes, books mags, crosswords etc. Organize things at home to be within easy reach to avoid bending and reaching, walk a lot after surgery, have someone with you for the frist week as you will need them, for the hospital take pj's, robe, brush/comb, toothbrush/paste, lipbalm, and comfy clothes to wear home. Hurting again, maybe more later Bunz

Awesome! I read the list outloud to my husband... he's on nurse duty for 2 weeks post-op!!

THe bendy straws and stool softeners are a must along with all of the soft foods. There are 2 types of hard collars. I had a Philadelphia which is just pink hard foam. I used that for showering and wore a soft collar. My OSS did not believe in the Miami J hard collar. Maybe you can get fitted for all 3 types of collars. When they discharge you, make sure you have plenty of scripts for pain meds, muscle relaxers and even a sleep aid. Good luck with the surgery. The waiting is the worse part both before surgery and waiting to feel better and have bone growth.

Hi, Just wanted to chime in, Im here in NYC, just had level2 ACDF on the 28th of Jan.
It was supposed to be level one, surgeon and neurosurgeon changed mind in the OR. I had severe right arm/hand pain, burning for a long time. Was losing use of the hand and arm most recently. I will say this; the surgery has completely cured that. My hand and arm are perfect!
Be prepared for pain though! Today is one week, and the pain is still there in the neck area. But most bothersome is my throat. It was fine in the hospital, so was my voice. This got worse three days ago. I can barely swallow water and I feel like food is coming up and stuck there.
Still on pain meds, I will be going to see the Doc today because I cannot sleep nor eat at all with this throat. At least the main objective was successful

Hi there, thank you so much for writing. It sounds like your symptoms and surgery resemble my own. My hand and arm and traps are a big part of my pain, the pinched nerves are relentless. I have been told a lot to expect the sore throat, it sounds like you really are having a hard time with that if even water is difficult to swallow. It's nice to here that your hand and arm are better though. I don't even remember what its like to be out of pain anymore.

Are you able to even use lozenges for relief? Perhaps you have a throat infection or something since you got worse post op? Please let me know how your doctor's appt. goes and what he says or prescribes for you.

I hope you are feeling better soon... I have 3 more weeks to go, but I have been asked to be put on a waiting list so if I can get in sooner I will jump at the chance, just want to start healing soon.

Take care! and get well soon!
Cathie